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THL 

GREAT REFORMER FROM ENGLAND, 

EXPLOSION OF THE WJIIG PKIXCIPLES, 

bY Tua 

OVERTHROW OF THE SOPHISTS 



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VILLANY OF THK FAR WEST, 



ADDRESS TO THE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF 
CI^CIN.yATI. 



li-R. WiLMOT omigrated from England, with liis family, to the United States 
in 1837. Since thou ho lias lost his wifcjaiid throe sons, by abduction, in In- 
diana, by the Eravo of 'I'wolvc Mile Prairie, after four times attempting to 
murder {'.-.o iiusband and father. Mr. W. is on his way to Washington City, to 
see the English Ambnssador,and the Prosidcnt,and to Icarn if any thing can bo 
done to recover his children, who accompanied their mother; and wanting tho 
means to take him there, after an expenditure of near four 3'ears, requests tho 
Ladies and Gentlemen of Cincinnati to assist him to reach that city of legisla« 
tivo x^isdom and learning. 

To play with wit, is to play with an cdgM tool, 

In doing this once, Spencer play'd tho fool. 

Iiitcllectunl giants raise or sink mankind 

And nations too — when to justice blind, 

With pen and ink, I depict sorrow, as it flows 

From tho mind oppressed, by great Nature's woos- — 

To relieve mankind, I started into being; 
- Nought else I see — naught else is worth seeing 

But tho bounty of God to mankind below, 

Abuse it not, nor add to human woo. 

Enough forinan to obey his Creator, 

And humble himself to God. as his creature. 
Cincinnati, 184L 



PREFACE. 

To write a preface to a work, abounding with questionable preteniioni 
to veracity, is difficult. Il is neither ronf>ange, fiction, or a legendary tale; 
it is the offspring of the mind, produced in six hours, which will realise 
to the author 230 dpllfirs, after the expences of printing are paid — 
hence the difficulty to sink the human mind, when susvtained by honor 
and virtue; religion, piety and that inward sense of rectitude which passes- 
all understanding; for it is an easy conscience—as regards crime — offend- 
ing more from simplicity than design. 

As Brutus pretended madness to overthrow Tarquin, I pretend t^o excen- 
tricity to overthrow the Sophists. 

The danger of Sophistry is great, as is examplified by the following pa- 
ges. It created a tumuk in the mind v\hich requires no apolojjy, for he 
that endeavors to sink another, deservesto sink. That Mr. Oliver Spen- 
cer has some noble and redeeming good qualities, is not to be denied. So 
much of his character as is crc^ditabk-, is worthy of himself and his coun- 
try — the rest is as the shadows to the picture. The romance of real life 
is every day acted, either in tragedy, comedy or farce. As such I present 
thisJittle effusion of aheated mind, to tlie learned world, to contemplate 
at their leisure, for I have no time to review or analise what I have writ- 
ten. It goes to press on the principle that he who knocks me down de- 
lervcs the like favor. 

That I have iiot overrated my eBtim.wion of injury — »viz: 1,000 dollars, 
may be inferred, from, the next work I intend to introduce to the public- 
it was written in a week and will produce me that sum. The detention 
of me at Cincinnati six months, was both unwise and unjust — to endeavor 
to sacrifice my property under the appearances of law, was a piece of fi- 
nesse equal to the attributes of the evil one. 

The printiers at last consented. to receive ^50 instead of $94, thus reduc- 
ing the demand to the first contract, instead of insisting on the second, 
obtained by fraud. The forfeiture of the third agreement proved they 
were not entitled to an} thing — nevertheless, vice begets its like, and Oli- 
ver Spencer played so artfully irito their hands as to insure the comprom- 
ise, and had to pay it in part, for he had placed it ou.t of the author's pow- 
er to do it, by transmitting it from the ea^3t. 

One word more. Oliver Spencer is not gone to Washington City, as I 
was informed by his brother Samuel; again proving the danger of Sophistry^ 
For Sophistry is falsehood in disguise 
It is the bane of truth, it consists of lies. 
The romantic part of Mr. Oliver Spencer's ideal advent«t!es may Be re- 
conciled on the principles of Cervantes, who described his Don Qtiixote 
in particularly awkward situations, from having too much zeal in a; batS 
cause; his Dulcinea DelToboso being no other than an over attachment 
to the Whig interest. And I have unfortunately been their Sancho too> 
long, and have received as much gratitude as that renowned governor. di<2 
in the island of Barrataria. 

To write fiction with truth is not always successful — it is excusable m 
a Romance writer, or picturer of ideas, who catches them ns singing bird* 
passing through the air, and encages them for the general amusement, ei- 
ther in song, eras talking birds. And as such 1 no^, talk to jou, Lndiei and 
Gentlfme.i, before 1 bid yor, a lasting adieu. 



MR. WILMOT'S ADDRESS 
TO THE LADIES ANDGENTLEMEN OF CINCN.N ATI. 

L\DiES AND Gentlemf.n: — A vcry deservedly favorite of yours and mine 
'is gone lo VVashmglon City, mounted on lii^ lavorile liobhy horse, Sophii- 
try, which is a description of hca«t somewhat rcsembUn!^ Balaam's ass, re- 
proaching his ma>*ter as he goes to pay his respects to General Harrison, 
us Presiden' of ilie United States. 

That gentleman throogh mistake, or some other cause, I will not slop 
to enquire into, detained me six months at Cincinnati City, by his mittaken 
views of affairs; instead of promoting tlie settlement of them, at)d adjust- 
■ ing tiiem by law or equity. The point of law b(;ing forfeited, equity should 
have l>e2n otiercd by him, and thus liberating me in September last, or 
'October at latest, instead of which detained me nt Cincinnati until the 
-present time; and now has flown away,ashis brother Samue! infoims me, 
with thespned of steam to pay his court to the President, and riceive big 
'reward for persecuting a man of princi|)le, who covild not nor would not 
bend himself into a party man, shackled and restrained by Whig principle* 
• alone, independent of all other considerations. 

Ifa man injures anotiier to the extent of a thousand dollars, and pnys 
fifty, to whom is lii • obligation due — him who receives nM-ompi-nse for the 
-twentieth part of the injury inflicted, or him who ir.llicted it to twenty 
times its amount? — and this in defiance of all remonstrance whatever. 

The hobby horse, Sophistry, is too well known in your courts of l:nv, on 
Hhe magi>trat(!"'s bench, and unfortunately resorted to by the respectable 
•••character alluded to. Was it for the purpose of ingratititing himself with 
'Col. Todd, General Harrison, or any other candidate for public favor, or 
lo involve my allairs so that 1 should not be able to extricate myself, as 
to reach Washington City before himself and brother had secured their ap- 
pointments? and if so it was a very unworthy motive and principle. 

Gentlemen of the law, and especially judges of the law, as Mr. O. M, 
Spencer certainly is, should be above Sophistry, to delude or convict others 
because they may have superior merit to himself in some particulars. — 
Thus running away, after involving Mr. Wilmot in the ditiiculties of his 
•creating, and violating the moral law, on the principle that Mr. W. 
was not a free mason, is beyond all things flagrant, and shews a preversity 
of mind, Mr. Wilmot did not expect to meet with in Cincinnati. 

I am not wishing to be verbose — or to excite angry feelings, to any ex- 
tent — but just take this opportunity to lemind tlie gentlemen and ladies 
of Cincinnati, that England, from whom most of them descended, is a pow- 
erful country ; and may, if insulted in her subjects, resent the injury, a 
thousand fold. I have been humbled and degraded by Sophistry — my 
chests broken open, my manuscripts exposed, and in part removed. And 
for what? lo gratify the cupidity, and vengeance of a place hunting Whig, 
who thus thought he would make himself the more acceptable at court, if 
he destroyed the man whom he could not bend. This may be an ill na- 
tured view of the subject, but it bears this interpretation, in my mind — or 
^hy not havo compromised with the printer?, four months since, when 



they lost the point oflaw? Then was the lime to have advanced the point 
of equity— it was done by me, but rejected by the printers, because O. M. 
Spencer held the ticket of my chests in bondna;e, and Arotild not give it up. 
Vain, conceited Judge! who thought he could overthrow {)rir!ci(:>le, as easy 
as he did the understanding of Mr Hodges, whom he inslrucied lo defend 
me, on the second contract, instead of on the third and hist. If this was not 
villany and treason to the cause of his client, I do tjot know what isvil- 
lany, and what is deceit. Had O. M. Spencer defended the cause, ac- 
cording to Judge Read's advice, I could not have los! the cause; and no 
compromise with rascality would have been necessaiv,aiid as the respect- 
able Bishop Purcell remarked, "It was contrary to the moral law to com- 
promise with injustice." No man had a greater esteem for O. M. Spen- 
cer than I had. But he has acted so imprudently and unwisely in this par- 
ticular, as to deserve the severest animadversion; and I hope this address, 
to the ladies and gentlemen of Cincinnati, will have this good ctfect, in fu- 
ture, upon his life and conduct: that to commit injustice, is not tolerated 
in Heaven, although intended to benefit himself and brother on the Earth, 
under the auspices of General Harrison and company, who, perhaps, for 
his eminent services, to himself and part^-, will make him a BrigadierGen- 
€ral in the next Canada war, and his brother his Aid-de-camp — thus pro- 
viding for the Spencers, according to their wishes, a^nd not according to 
their merits, as far as I am concerned in t'leir disgraceiul conduct towards 
myself. 

O. M. Spencer might have avoided this exposure of his conduct to my- 
self — giving the praise of flattery, and then undermining my fortunes, be- 
cause 1 would not take the oath of free misonrv, and keep a secret which 
might prove injurious to the public interest. 

In this Utopian war with Canada, and conquest thereof, in which Gen- 
eralissimo O. M. Spencer, is to shine so consr)icuously, in iiis way to the 
Presidential Chair — after the appointment and terms of four years are ex- 
pired to Mr. Clay and Mr. Webster, and then O. M. Spencer, his brother 
Henry, and a succession of little Spencers, lo the end of time. I state 
there is one stumbling block in the way, and what is that? iho great Re- 
former from England, as he has been pleased to call me, in his introduction 
of my name to the Rev. Bishop Purcell. I do not arrogate any such pre- 
tension, but since I have been sirnamed the Great Re- former from England 
(and I print them in capital letters to strike the inui'^inalion and reason- 
ing faculties the more effeclually) I can prove my claim to some extent — 
but will condescend to prove ii'in this one alone, I.y the following coun- 
sel I give to my native country — for after saving Ei. gland several millions, 
yearly, in tithes, and the same in poor rales, I now show her how she can 
retain the Canadas, in defiance of all Ameiica, united; and how she can 
settle the Boundary Question, in defiawce of Maine, and t!ie United Stales 
in co-operation with her. This is not done to prove my arrog.ince or 
presumption, but to prove the power of the pen over the suoid, and the in- 
significance of O. M. Spencer, in his short-sightedness, when he has to 
compete with a mind superior and stronger than his own, and since he 
has dared me to the field of disputation. I now anathematise him, and all 
America, to dare to refuse granting the Boundary Question, or the right of 



Tvay, over Mar's Hill to Great Britain, om the peril of losing all America; 
and its becoming the <onqueri'(l l^'ovinccs of the live ruling powers — 
which couIJ bejusfiiied on the following principles, viz: when my system 
of government without taxes could be carried into effect; and thus unite 
and invite nine-tenths of the American population to join the standard of 
Great Britain and the allies: for what care they for General Harrison, or 
Van Buren eitlier — they want those who will beneft them most, on the be- 
nevolent principle r.( God to man, and not to be governed on the pack-horse 
principle — tor whether the weight is removed from one pack and placed 
on the other side of the pack-horse, it is still the pack-horse bears the weight, 
and every nation may bo corn, Mired to this said [)ack-horse, as now con- 
structed in this sublunary world. But shall it goon so? No! it must cease, 
as soon as God tiiinks proper to' develope a superior system, and en- 
force it by the thousands of millions who will demand it to be carried into 
•effect. 

The boundary li lo, as it has been called, is all imaginary. It is no rea.1 
line, but the line of convenience. As well may it be said that the sun's 
rays must go round by the Cape of Good Hope, before it reached the in- 
habitants of Cincinnati, or any imaginary line — say ten thousand miles — 
when one thousand in a straight line, would answer every purpose. 

Now how does God Almightv, the Father of the universe, conduct his 
blessings? — not ciicuitously, but directly. Then imitate God Almighty's 
example to your fellow-men, and not as O. M. Spencer's mercies have been 
to mc, far round and fai-stretched, until they partake more of curses than 
of blessings, from being so' long delayed. 

Place yourselves in the situation of farmers — is a farmer to go ten milet 
round to a farm when one would suffice, or to go round the field, when 
simpl}^ going across it would answer the same purpose? The public right 
of way is often determined ])y going straight across the field, in spite of 
corn, orthe faimer's renrionstranccs, itistead of round it. And why? Be- 
cause they have Uic power to do it; and wiiat is confirmed by convenience 
is confirmed by justice- What, is all the world to be inconvenienced from 
the obr^tiiiacy of one man, or set of men? Give the value as any twelve 
men shall decide, then take possession, if not by act of parliament, or act 
of congress, by tlie act of force; for it is God's earth, and no man has a 
right to dispute about il but on equitable principles of kindness to his fellow 
man, and justice to the public interest. Thus a principle is established 
of pre-emption — taking that fi'om tlie white savages which the white savages 
took from the Indian savages, under the pretence of purchase; or, in other 
words, by fraud and force, which governs nations and individuals, and is 
the system O. M. Spencer has evinced to mc, under the pretence of jus- 
tice to his party, without an equivalent — lest I might prevent, perhaps, 
General Harrison gctiing himself seated in the presidential chair, andO. 
M. Spencer be deprived of his appointment of Brigadier General, in the 
next Canada war — to be created purposely for his advancement and self- 
interest in the transaction. 

I now give my reasons why the Boundary Question can no longer be con- 
tinued — why Canada cannot betaken by the Americans — why the inhab- 
itants of Cincinnati can no longer continue the injustice towards myielf.of 



prcTMiting mj reaching Washington citj, in quick time, in order to bring 
out a work to enable me to recover my wife and children, or the children 
at least; with the return of their mother, if she wishes it, and the overthrow 
<yf the murderer of the forest who has possession of them; and which O. 
M. Spencer has prevented up to the present time, lest I should prevent 
the sale of his wild lands, as a lane speculator, to the uninformed emigrant, 
who may be entering upon his destruction as effectually as if he entered a 
tiger,s den, or the haunts of banditti. 

These three position?, namely, injustice to myself, if longer persevered 
in'by the citizens of Cincinnati; the Boundary Question, if longer protract- 
ed; and the conquest of the Canadas, from Great Britain — as they only en- 
courage dissention between God's children, who are equally entitled to his 
mercies and loving kindness; and not like hogs in a trough; who shall eat 
the most, but who shall most benefit the human race, for that is the inten- 
tion of fattening the swinish multitude, and the emulation of man should be 
the same — who shall confer the greatest benefit. Both are God's crea- 
turei, to eat and beeaten in their turn. 

Thus then, I advise no timid policy, as Captain Marryatt did, by attack- 
ing the coasts of America; but for all the monarchs of Europe to form a 
coalition, to subdue, conquer, and destroy America, in all that may be ne- 
cessary to fix principles of humanity, towards the human race, upon an in- 
disputable basis, and not upon the principles of the Jew and the Gentile, 
of which the inhabitants of Americaare formed; Jew as concerns Sophis- 
try and chicanery; Gentile as using force, when fraud will not accomplish 
the same object. Thus then is the bold outline that the four powers, or 
five if necessary or convenient; shall invade America, from five different 
positions, namely; for Eagland to lead the van, in the exercise of all the de- 
s'nictive implements of war; attacking and distracting America at five 
points at once; which will revenge my wrongs, by a retribution never to 
"be forgotten. Secondly, settle the boundary question, at one decisive 
blow and forerer. Thirdly,iM the place of taking the Canadas from Great 
Britain, take all North America from ths Americans; and grant them a 
system of government without any kind of taxes, in future, and such as I 
have explained to Judge Read of Cincinnati, and pioved to him as practi- 
cable rand when 1 have accomplished all these things and many more; then 
call me great. 

I only exert my influence, where necessary, and to protect individuals 
and countries from oppression. In thus endeavoring to benefit mankind, 
1 have God's sanction. I fear no evil, for I am a stranger to fear in a good 
cause; that of preventing injuUice to individuals or nations: or if persisted 
in, expect the fnllowing visitation from those mighty powers, who govern 
the earth, in the name of ihe great creator, promoting civilization to the 
extremity of the globe; and devastating those who abuse his holy name 
and commandments, under the appearance of justice, when it is only de- 
ceit, treachery and fraud, arrompanifd by force, as it has been attempted 
and proved in my own Avroii!;s; which lias roused my indignation, as a 
sleeping lion awoke froni ins trance, or transitory passiveness, to hurl the 
thunders of defiance from that mind, too strong to 'ne subdued. There- 
fore, ladies and gentlemen, assist my abdication from )uui city, or you may 



expect the Divine Vengeance will overtake your "Queen of the West," 
and divest her of her ornamental spires, and minarets, those massive wood- 
en pillars, to imitate stone: and those gorgeous temples, of Ihes'ze of pep- 
per boxes, ii! comparison of Eiiropeau grandeur. I say, forbear persecut- 
ing me longer, lest the allied powers inilicta crusade upon you. As Peter 
the Hermit influenced the conquest of ihc floly Land, so may it be expect- 
ed, I will preach against this immoral and unjust country ; abusing the 
confidence of the stranger, who entrusted himself among you, from good 
report, which he now finds to l)e rxrjggcratcd ; who have stolen his wife and 
childred from him; who have deprived him of all his property, and with a 
sinister art, endeavored to obtain possession of his manuscripts and books, 
under the forms of law and a verdict surreptitiously obtained, l)y confound- 
ing the brains of the counsel; indudng him to plead on the wrong issue, in- 
stead of the right one, and then leave me to the tender mercies you have 
involved me in. Is this honorable, just, or merciful in O. M. Spencer? 
Inhabitants of Cincinnati, participate not in the same injustice, lest the di- 
vine vengeance overtake you, as it did Sodom and Gomorrah, as is related 
in holy writ. 

On the supposition of injustice being longer continued to me, or to the 
human race, whose advocate I am, upon an extensive scale; I recommend 
that England forms a coalition with all the continental powers, and leads 
the van to attack Orleans and Cincinnati, and bombard them to the ground 
in the space of a few hours, as she did Barenth St. Jean de Acre, and Chi- 
na;; Washington city, the city ofNew York, and every other city in America: 
also land large armies, in five several points, nearest to the centre and vi- 
tal existence of America; give the Americans a new system of government, 
upon the benevolent principle of God to man; (which work of mine will be 
slinrtly in the press;) but leave them their laws and constitution, so modified 
and improved as not to injure the foreigner again, under the pretence there 
waa ten days Ihr appeal, but fix no limited time for the detection of villa- 
ny, sophistry, and where thejudgments of inferior courts have been impos- 
ed upon. Ten days, nor a hundred days, is sufliciently long to detect 
deepdcceit,aiid Machiavelian like tactics, in an experienced judge, orman 
of law, who mr.y be induccid to violate the principles of honor, justice and 
mercy, on the loUowing pretences: that it is convenient to his party or him- 
self, to suppress superior genius in its infancy, and strangle it in its birth; 
lest it might injure the parly, and prevent the election to power, office 
and emolument; and by creating war, as is contemplated, by the conquest 
of the Canadas; ruin his country to aggrandize himself in the mighty strug- 
gle of contending nations. I forewarn you forbear, O. M. Spencer; Gen. 
Harrison and Daniel Webster, the same. Do you mean to become a se- 
cond Chi;-a? the wall of the sea will not protect you. You are butchil-, 
dren in leadiiig strings, in comparison of those of the old country, one of 
the humblest of whose sons now addresses you, in all the strength of Om- 
nipotent power: for principles which are derived from the living God, 
none can subdue; they are invincible as truth itself, whose advocate I am, 
and am bound. to defend them. Therefore, pauseand tremble at my name, 
thus upheld;und sanctioned by the living God of all mercies, who punishes 
the ignorance and the audacity of men who oppose the inspirations of 



truth, as now but feebly made known to you ; as a part of the consequences 
attending injustice, under the sanction of law and what you call the con- 
stitution of the United Ssates. 

I remain, ladies and gentlemen, with every true feeling of lespect, as 
regards my honor, and (hose l.umane feelings I am possessed of, in the 
service of the public, and my children, w!io I am ender.voring to recover 
before deep iniquity has got fast hold of them; for I am of the opinion that 
on the moral law is founded both religion and morals, aud that he who de- 
viates least is most worthy of being called a humane individual, and civil- 
zed being. ROBERT WILMOT. 

Pike Streit^ Cincinnati,, Feb. 21, 1841. 

P. S. Idonoi more than intimate at the destruction of the shipping and 
commerce of America, of her being shut up in her own ports, of the confis- 
cation of property, &c.,of her being compelled to pay the army and navy 
that should invade her, as did the Emperor of Chi:. a; the British forces 
for destroying their opium. 

The success at Orleans, at the battle of the Thames and on the lakes, is 
no argument against retributioii for injustice, either against individuals or 
nations. The only safeguard for the Amejicans is justice, in its laws and 
its transactions, for mercy is only due to those who show mercy ; and as the 
law books show, he that expects equity, must grant it. Therefore, for the 
Americans to act the part of Jews, by trickery, by chicanery, or artifice, 
will not excuse them any more than it excuses O. M. Spencer, for his in- 
justice to me, in betraying my cause; and I ut for Judge Read and other 
gentlemen, who I urged to save him from disgracing himself, myself, the 
city, the country, and the state, he would have sacrificed me, to his own 
ruin; and as another Cassar Borgia, have precipitated events, which would 
not have been in his power to control. How far such a man can make an 
honest legislator, an upright judge, a judicious friei;d, or able counsellor, I 
leave to others to determine. It is not cleverness of mind that makes the 
great character, but uprightness of principle. Sophistry should meet with 
its overthrow, wherever it can be found ; it is as the poisonous snake ; should 
be crushed lest it injures human feelings and human principles of honor 
and virtue. 

Had Oliver Spencer left ^'-20 towards assisting my journey to Washing- 
ton city, to consult v>ith the English Ambassador and Gen. Harrison, on 
the best means of recovering my lost children; had (he said Oliver Spen- 
cer, late Judge of the Cincinnati common picas, informed me he was going 
to Washington; had he left a note or memorandum, recommending the 
Cincinnatians to raise a fund, adequate to tLat purpose, the present ad- 
dress to the ladies and gentlemen of Cincintiati, would never have seen 
the light. Had the Rev. Mr. Sel!0!\ paid the five dollars he said he would 
subscribe; secondly, had he raised tlie five dolhirs he promised to do, to 
assist Oliver Spencer's sub.-.crii)lion, to s^ve the sale of my manuscripts and 
efifects; the accumulation and reference to more than 55 years since, when 
I said my prayers, on my knees, to my lately deceased mother — had he not 
said or implied he had not more tha>i enough to supply him with wine, as 
become a minister of God's church, who abhorred th^ flesh pots of Egypt, 



9 

but loved good livitig at Ciiicinnnti, as well as any clergyman in the Meth- 
odist interest — had he not been afraid he should not have the gout go of- 
te.i as usual, 1 would have pitied his cas':, aad not have mentioned him 
in iii^ao. pages — i'oi he is the last to give all to God and leave nothing for 
himselu 

iLid •'i'! ii " Bishop Parccll — but I mu.-t forbear, for he is so good a 
man as io siippiy two liuadred Irish CalhorKS with food — tea, sugar and 
other coiuliinents. But his view of the transaction was just; and the gen* 
cral scase i-, laat Oliver Spencer, alore;-aid, should, if he had been a true 
man to his own interest, as well as to those tie had injured, would have pre- 
vented the necessity of any appeal to any iiut himself. ISot having attend- 
ed to the cviuily of this business, 1, in my own delence, am obliged to ar- 
raign him oelore tae pu!)lic triliunal, to ar.swer and defentl hi'.nself as he 
nia\ think proper. Truth is trutl^, howevei- unpalatable to be informed of; 
and altbougn 1 do not accuse Oliver Siiencer of direct fraud, upon my 
time and circa:n:;:a;u:es, yet indirectly he is accused by me of both of those 
overwiudming features, in my liislory of this atfiir — conducting himself 
not in proportion to the injury committed, bii( -imply as an ii'.dividual. who 
iu no way whatever accelerated the wheels of ibrtune, to crush me, and the 
likelihoods of my ever recovering my children again; by a parsimony so 
long delayed as to appear more like a gift of benevolence, than as a compen- 
sation for injuries received. Lest tlie world may think i have overcharg- 
ed this picture, I am vvilli'^g to submit my conduct and liis to a jury of 
twelve genllemei!, with Judge Read at their head, to decide if I am not 
stating the truth; aiid if Oliver Spencer's coi.duct towards myself has been 
justifiable, thither as a politician, a judge i i law, or equity, as a sound law- 
yer, or in ills character of high priest and principal divine of the honorable 
society of free masons. That he is a good uian there can be no doubt, bat 
with certain qualified limitations of goodness — good in degree of benevo- 
lence, which forces on me a defence; for either he or I must go down in 
public estimation. It is not fair to sink me, while I have been endeavor- 
ing to iloat liiiTiself and brother into employments, useful to the puolico 
Hence, the want of gratitude rests with himself, rathci" than with myself. 
If he will give wrong hopes and expectations — if lie will not know the 
Whigs are more iniluenced bytJieeyesof sight than the eyes of the miiid, 
it is no fault of mine, butliis. 

Having assisted to get me into the difficulty, the least he could have 
<lone, was to have helped me out; instead of which he mounted his ho!)by 
horse, false honor, .which proved as rej)roachful as Balaam's ass: and wiU 
reproach him to the day of his death. But if, like Balaam, he mends 
his way, this practical lesson in politics, may prove useful to him, as long 
as he lives. Now, then, for charily after justilication, which is to wish him 
over\" success, and less pusilanimity in doing lliat wiiich is right — for when 
law and equity are both satistied, as a judge, he ought to have knowf] 
that Heaven expects no more. His mercy was ill timed, and to the wrong 
individuals instead of the right one — hence all t!ic difficulty to reconcile 
contradictions, and hence the fiilure ot all the honest effort! of Gen. Hod- 
ges in my favor, from having started on the wrong side of the post, which 
no whip oripur could ever make right, and this by the instruction* of Oii- 



10 



vcr Spencer; corrupting mv advocate and refusing to plead himself, or be 
tbe \\ itness he proposed to be, and would be: hence the Shoe Maker Ma- 
gislracc, for want of knowing; better, decided wrong — agreeable to the con- 
stitution of t!ip United Slates — and the Shoe Maker Constable, broke open 
the chests, eXjiu^ed the manuscripts, although repeatedly cautioned: They 
were of considerable value to the author, as memoranda and data, of in- 
cidents, useful to the public, in the investigatioti of principles, and whicb 
can never be replaced. 

Had such barbarism and savage manners occurred in Otaheity,. instead 
of in Cincinnati, where canibals used to eat human flesh, as the Cincinna- 
tianseat turkeys, well ^tuiled and dressed; but for Oliver Spencer, thus to 
lend his services to the spoliation and destruction of a literary man, or man 
of letters, establishes him as a baibarian of the West — or that he had the 
design of possessing that information obtained by others, which he was. 
doubtful if he should ever possess, unless by the surreptitious use of the 
powerful arm of the law. Such featsof corrupt motives have been prac- 
ti( ed in England, but now passed away; and I hope never again to be re- 
peated in America. 

Any person having any part of the manuscripts, after an exposure of 
nine day5 to- tl.e public view, will, I hi-)pe, return them, as they are links in 
the chain of reasoning, which should not, or ought not, to have been in- 
terrupted — forof what use is the longest life, if not to make men both 
happier and better, and iadiec improve, In the solid precepts ol the com- 
mandments? 

There is a rumor of America going to war with England, which I 
hope is not well founded — 'for if England had destroyed one thousand 
slave vessels, instead of twenty, as is reported, it was in the cause of hu- 
manity; and that principle justifies the condemnation and contiscation. 

Americfl, bite your fingers to the boue, before you declare war with 
En^rland, your best friend and benefactor. You have alnadj d'-prived 
your mother of nearly all her estate, and now wani to turn her (.ut of 
house and home, by shutting the door against her, throug!» the inclem- 
ency of the winter months — when the hard frosts stop the navigalio!) of 
the St. Lawrence, and they can have no communication 'vith Canada, 
but over Mar's Hill, from Halifax. Pause, before you commit so great an 
injustice. What, shut your own mother out of her liouse, during the 
most inclement season of the year? It is contrary to natur.d justice and 
mercy — neither can you prevent it; and I forewarn you, before she calls 
to her assistance, the continental powers, to protect her rights — to chastise 
and assist to punish her rebellious children. What you cannot do in pri-^ 
vate life with impunity, neither can you inpubli^, as a nation — because 
it has no principle in honesty or natural justice, and is consequently con- 
trary to the law of nations, which upholds humanity in its rights, and 
bids defiance to the aspiring grasp of would be enslavers of the Americarv 
continent. 

Tremble at my name, ye would be triumvirate! lest I dissolve the com- 
pact, and prevent your succession to the presidential chair, in rotation. — 
I, have the power, and may exercise the will, by proving the inconsistency 
•f th« present government, if you compel me to resort to it. For yotir 



1 1 

ovru fnkr?, .'uid fcjr \ niir rouiilrv's sak(\ forbear in liim^aiul ta!;e w.'irnii)^, 
that there i? an overriiliiiK Providetire amon;^ yon, tliat can turn the srah*, 
bv throwino; his weis^ht into il — and that hv llio divint! coniunnd, which 
none dare to disobey. 

Farewell, until von hear (Voai inr n^ain, eitherin conun 'adatory prais"*, 
or rei)ti!<e,as [)rinci[)!e or tiie want of it dcm mds. 



licryTcac'ci cf the Ghrsts cf Scvcn D.ad Horses, Burnt, to 
death on th« even ng of the 251h of February, 1841. 

Ye C'inciiHiatiaii-, eiliz:-!.? and ; iis. — \o\\ j)i'eaeh (rmp'-rcnee in thn 
rhurelit'S, lo hnmrin beings, bijl we who have beenalwav'^ leniperate. liave 
no care or a xiety iieslowcd upoii 'is. Neitliertlie Uev. Mr. Sehon or i\Ir. 
Johnson endeavored to excite the priiieiph-s of hunianily, in our tavor; 
and but ;i)r a friend from .i iar country, \on wouki still remain the same 
kind c ;;ava£jc Jloltent >ts, as \ou wore in the early davs of your boa«tcd 
land ' 1 freedom — free to worlc and lo be burnt to death, as a reward tor 
ou!' : idustry, toil and labor, to make yourselves, wives and children, com- 
foiiable, throuiijh the lonsiest winter and the coldest nights; for we iiave 
iliawn such |)i'es and loads of wood and coal to all parts of the city — and 
thoi iiurn us lo death, because we cannot represent our wronsjs! 

Had wc understandings from intellectual endowments. you dare not have 
served us so. Dead hordes tell no lales; but wc. the ghosts have a[)pear- 
€0 (o a human being, who describes our woes, sulferings and distress, which 
no pen can justly represent. Had we reason, to assist our escape, then, 
stables built of wood, might have been tolerated; bui as wanting reason, 
brick or stone buildings onl}', should bo used, and convert all wooden build- 
ings into tenements for the poor, that they may make their escape from 
sodreadful a death, by tlif (irst alarm of tire. Preach no more temper- 
ence in your chuiches, while ye are yourselves intemperate, regardless of 
our feelings, our groans, our anguish and our death. \Vhy make poor 
horses martyrs to your ignorance and your brulality — are ye a nation of 
savages, that devour roasted horse flesh, and that roasted alone for your 
sport, or for your parsimony? No warning seems sufiicient to protect us 
from carelessne*^ and design — a turned otT servant or an angry tradesman 
may wreak their venL'cance upon ns unoffending animals — arc we to have 
ihe rebuke and vengeance instead of \ ourselves? whereas, were we cn- 
■closod wilhid four high walls, no desperate rufHan could destroy us; but. 
in wooden buildings, it is our funeral pile — erected for our destruction. 

Teach horses Christianity, for the} have hearts as well a? human beings, 
bat no soul, unfortunately, more than the stupid cits, our masters, who have 
iivcd on our earnings, and this to gluttony and all (he abominations of the 
flesh. Sympathise with ns, all ye catlle, exposed to the sanie dangers, 
for }our times may come, before the friendly pole-axe puts an end 
to jour sulTerings — and y(! swinish multitude, was your pens on tire, 
30U would rush outward wilh a grunt, or lea(> the fence — while wc 
silthough the pride and able assistants of maid<ind, are doomed to death for, 
4he very usefulness we bestow — earning not only our ovvn food, but thai of 
idlers and citieens, more jCclcJ)rated at city feasts, than for. preserving- fn«n'. 



!2 

conflagration, tlie du'cliings we lived in; but are now, alas, and forever dead 
to all the enjoyments of life, bj a miserable death. Was as man}- citizens 
burnt to death, otlier citizens would take wartiinc;, and build brick dwel- 
lings, to reside in — but horse f.esh is considered less valuable, than that of 
briita! citizer.f, wli) cannot ihir.k, or do not think, or if they do, care for 
their dollars .-.nd not for us. Continue not besotted in that sin which has 
long been your reproach. Week after week, month aficr month, and year af- 
tcr,year horses are burnt to death, and }e regar'd it iiGtriieilhcr would you, 
if one of the dead horses was to come to life to reproach you. Tiierefore, 
heed ihe Great English Rcfoimer of abuser, lest he again reproaches yoa 
with a sevcPi^r castigatlon, ns-d burns }our co!~scicrrces, as you have our 
bowels and inward viscera, till tl.cy burnt. Sec our [>rostrate remains, 
scorched to cinders — roasted alive! Even the Hottentots might envy the 
repast, prepared for them v. itii the greatest bounty, by our pudding-head- 
ed, brainless dolts, and idiots, called citizens of Cincinnati — living in a 
Christian commututy, aud yet lost to every feeling of humanity, as connect- 
ed with the brute creation. 

To roast in the flames of hell is the emblem of t!ie Almighty's wrath, to 
the guilty consciences of men. When will you aw.ikc, you vain and con- 
ceited blockheads? Barbers blocks iiavc more reiiectien, ardare lessguil- 
ty than you arc, for they are not made to reflect. But yeu abuse the be- 
nevolent principles of (he Almighty, who has said, use my creatures, but 
do not abuse tliem, by ignorance ©r neglect. The^poor horses love their 
stalls, as their liomes — they contained the manger in wliich they fed, the 
rack from which they pulled the hay, the bed in which they lay, to rest their 
wearied limbs at night — their conversation room, their club room, their 
church, their methodistical neighings for God's mercies asid protection, and 
the blessings ef the night season. They requited no "liquid fire to com- 
fort their souls before they went to rest; eye openers in the morning, pldegm 
cptters and stomach warmers before breakfast," as drurikarks, but a seci: ^ 
brick building, free from conflagration and despair. Their home \\a,i 
home, if ever so homely, even unto death; and ihey refused to. quit it, till 
life was extinct in the flames of hell, and died like sahnsand martyrs from 
ih" effects of n^.a!:'s igr.oraicc^, imbcciliiy and vice. I'he loss in dollars 
wassniall,in compari-on of the poor creatuie's sifiering's, h.rJ tlu;ir value 
been ten times the amount; their sutlerings was more than one iuindrcd' 
limes their value, and sliould have been regarded as such, and prevented 
taking place. Mrs. Trollop's battlements was illuminated by tlie conHa- 
gration, and the Mechanics' Institute may now be considered as the mauso- 
leum to their remains. . 

L'Hommcdieu, from the angry feelings he has created at the Gazette 
ofijce. in turning off };is iouriie^men, should insure every thing he has — 
and Judge Wright may find himself in the wrong box. The poor in Eng- 
land would have been starved to death, had it not been for the incendia- 
ry, who brought up wages from the minimum to the maximum. Tl-e si-.-n-; 
is occurring in this country— it is their only defence against the rruelty 

inhumanity. Was Longwoith or Judge Burnett ever celebrated '" 

wjorks? If so, I have never heard of any. Col. Todd and L'Hon 

a^^ celebrated for the contrary. For example, thej ordered 50 co^; . ^ 



13 

my "celcl)rated pamphlet on tlie VVlii^ Cause," and did not paj for one — 
also, indirectly ordered eisiht hundred or a thousand for the convention at 
Davton, the sam:^ nn:Ti'if^r isr Chiilicothe. Did they pay for any? Not 
one! Is (his justice, and*';l;>i;jg as yoii would bo done unto?*' It shewed 
to the woriJ, th.nt both were not honest men; and may God defend the pub- 
lic treasure from tiicir |ja;id> — a«5 has been, and is now conveyed for politi- 
cal purposes. Thr'y both print government papers in the Harrison inter- 
est — and were all iSiesubsci'iplions rai?ed to promote injustice and oppres- 
sion, a? i'xperionced by myself, because I was impartial — exposed tlie folly 
of Col. Todd,aad the vices of Moses i)a\vson? 

Cel. Todd slill bcloi.'gs to the "Republican"' paper, which is to be sup- 
ported by treasury money, derived from the pockets of the people — and 
the GiiZidte newspajwr the same. It is tliis that makes them daring, and 
outrage connmon hor.est)' — villains in degrees of infamy — including Gen. 
Harrison, for sanctioniftg the fraud upon the stranger .and the foreigner, be- 
fore he became acquainted with their tricks. It is impossible that the 
wdiigs, generallv, can sanction such depredation upon an individual — or if 
so, they are su) longer gentlemen — and we h;ive elected frail humanity to 
take care of tiie public treasure, instead of honest men. 

Now for journeymen printers. They, like the chimney sweeps in Lon- 
don, have grown too large for their master's pockets, as chimney sweeperi, 
when full grown, are Lpc big for tlie chimneys. As soon as they grow up to- 
man's estate, have no estate left. The adage, that 'die who has a trade 
hath an estate,*' no ledger applies. The one no longer sweeps the chim- 
neys nor the oiher his master's pockets — but climbing boys do the work 
of the devils, while jouri'eymen printers, and sweeps, like dark angels, must 
"learl a new life, have a lively faith in God's mercies, through Christ, witb. 
a thankful r<Mnembrance of his deal!), and be in charily with all men." — 
Very coniiorfrt!)le doctrine for llic fat L'Hommedieu, and others of that 
stamp. Pjilmp- it is his brofher,.'is one o( the Whitj Committee, that dc- 
sei ves the censure of the Reformer; and thus to be held up to public scorn 
and eonlompt, as'oae of the swisidlers of Cincinnati — the male Queen of 
the Wesi — iur Cincinnatus was a Roman General, and not a Cinderella 

h li,covi^:ed with, cinders and ashes, and all kinds of impurities, in her 

la ics, alleys, ;i:)d !■■ corners, for 'l-io p-irposps of Cloaciri.i — without paper 
for fundainental .uiiibutes, which proves ihem savages. 

And :iow a few line.? f^n- M'Leod, who \ hear is condemned by the Nenr 
York Stale. Asa Scotchman, I feci lor him, as being in part a country- 
man. But g'.iiliy of folly, madness, or intentional design — if of folly, he 
deservps hai^sjing for his stupidity ; if he is mad, the same. But if from de- 
sign tu provoke hosiililies o.i the part of the British government, then pause 
before you hang him: for it will surely bring on hostilities or reprisals. 
The Americans, with all tl-.eir good feelings, have too much vanity, and 
like a ph-thoric person, would be relieved by the lancet, in the one case,, 
and by tb.e swoid in tic ot*irr. 

The sKi[> that w:' ? sent down the Niagara falls, was made use of for 
i->iratical piv.jose?-, il' so, justly ccidem sed and confiscated to destruction,, 
Thrit iMcL"od was nn aciive par'asan, (here can be no doubt; but if undftr 
xhc authorit}' of tlie British government, it comes under the cognitanc* 
<j( Congress, and not of New York State. 



14 

In lii)« priv;i(r chnrarter, he is amenable (o New York State, in his pub- 
one, arCmg from authority, he is a soldier or sailor of lortunc, and amena- 
ble only to the law of nations. 

That New York State is greatly incensed, signifies little. The ques- 
tion is, if the ship's compan) had a right to convey ammunition, arms and 
malcontents, to a neutral island, on the Niagara river; 1 th.ink not. As a pri- 
vatper, she would be liable to be destroyed — as a pirate, still more so — as' 
a clandestine enemy, the same. 

Either America made an oversight, in suffering Great Britain to have 
the Canadas, or she was uricqnal to take pcssessicn of them; t lie same by 
■Louisiana and Florida, obtained by jjurchase. Either grant tf.e right of 
way, with a good grace, or purchase the Caisadas fjom the Biitish gov- 
ernment. 

In all that I have said, it will be perceived (hat huiViriiity is the basis of 
n\j reasoning, and that tirst prin.ciples are the truest tests of humanity. 

In this light, the triendly counsel and wisdom, contaiiicd \u tlsis small 
•work, may be considered of inestimable advantage, if ioUowrd; but if not, 
will meet with its own punijliment. 

In my pamphlet in favor of Gen. Hairison, ro man could have cxcrird 
'himself more freely and feelingly. It was, and is, the most potent pnm.ph- 
let written during the contest. I still think the whig principles the best, 
as contained in that pamphlet. Buthow have the proprietors of tb.e whig 
press treated me? (L'l-Tommedieu,e(c.) such as cannot I e justified. What 

. has any individual to do with the whig cause? General Harrison repre- 

- sented the whig interest — he was deservedly pjaised ; or if undeservedly, it 
was unknown to me, at that time. 

He may be a great personage, and is, if acting according to principles. 
But if following the principles of Co!. Todd and L'Hommedieu, he is a 
most self-important, unprincipled pretender to the presidential chair, and 
?not the u,>right professor of justice, he always j.retepided to be, and for 
which I entered heartily inlo his cause, and now have reason to repent, 
'from the injustice that has been done; tome. 

To prove the inutility of small things by great ones, view the conduct of 
the editor of the Re; ■!' lican newspaj)cr, still playing at bopeep, at Wash- 

•jngton, as he did at Cii tii r riti, when actively engaged as the partisan of 
that paper;and r.s chairman (•; t'u^ secret conimitlc .. coiiducting General 
Harrison to the presidentail chair, n*- a child in leading strings. The same 
by L'Hommedieu, proprietor of the G.-zette newspaper, who played second 
■fiddle to Col. Tood's bazoon; and Wiseman, the shoe maker, as master of 
the band, beating the tattoo on his lapstone, to the music, as symphony. 
This is ridiculous. But the more grave charge against these gentlemen 

is dishonesty, in )iot paying for tlie tifty cojtics, ordered l^y them, and the 
two thousand recommended to be printed for Dayton and Chillicothe. 
Poor devils, they have no spirit of honor left;^nd without honor, how are 
they to benefit the public interest, any more tnan they benefitted the indi- 

■ ual alluded to. Besides, as partisan papers, they should always be look- 
ed upon with suspicion, as much so as the gj-eat wall that surrounds Paris, 
inclosing the citizens, like ra's in a trap; in obcilinnce to the command 

:of military deapotism. It certainly defends them froon the annoyance of 



15 

otlier rats, like themselves hut in the mran lime Ihej are inclosed and can't 
get out, hefore knocked on tlie liead hy cannon balls, from the hatteries 
that surround (he (i'cumvallalion ; as the two newspapers alluded to, are 
intended to lire their batteries upon the million^ of the far west, to make 
them all tril)ulary slaves and payers of tax :s, for the editorial editions of 
tiicir Repuhlican and Gazette's imnioial principles; for no morality can 
proceed from immoral sources. 

Was 1 to become an editor of a newspaper, cither in tlie old or new- 
world, my motto would he, 

Intollcctual giants raise or sinlv mankind, 
And nations too, when tojustico blinLi. 

That I shall not have the honor to be an honest one, distinct from either 
party, is plain, as it is prophccied I am not to live three davs after the pres- 
ent publication makes its appearance; and if so, the chief magistrate of 
the city of Cincinnati, namely, the mayor and his privy council are alone 
answerable, for not providing me with a Pegarsus, to make my escape 
with, before t'.iat dreadful cala-trophe befals me, and thus become amena- 
ble to all Europe for my destruction, and violating (he hospitality the far 
we^^t is said to .abound with, particulaily to foreigners. It was the fame 
of this ho^pita!)le countr}' which induced me to come among you, and I 
hone, with their leave, to depart without the visitation I am so potently 
threatened with. 

All badinage aside; I must close My limits are like the boundary line, 
have extended more than fil'iy years; and I hope all the good advice 1 have 
given the Americans will not be thrown away upon them; but will take 
theliint not to n? too vain from previous successes. Witness the fate of 
Napoboa ! And } our General Harrison would be overwhelmed, as by an 
influx from the sea, coveri.ig the land. 

To be true to yourselves you must be just to others. Petty tricks, 
craft and cunning, are as unworthy of individuals, as they are of nations.. 
Your friend and well wisher in every good cause. 

ROBERT WILMOT. 

TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF CINCINNATI. 

Great public wrong, is no private affair, 
To the City Council I now direct my praver, 
'J'o avert tlio storm that tlircatcns them with doom. 
Before cannon balls reach their Council Koom. 
Justice and meroy are due to the stranger, 
As to horsi stlint feed from rack and manf^er. 
'J'Jierofore, bewiirc! — instantly redress my wrongs, 
Before I exhibit you — in proso and song. 
Tlnec days (no longer) I grant you as a truce; 
Redress my wrongs, ere i rclaliato the abuso 
Of power, ill placed, in despotic hands. 
What is it but the torch and iho fire brand, 
Toongulph your city with the tragic niTi-"^? 
Reltnt, repent, do not my prayer refuM, 



1« 

Lest I condemn you to a public shame, 
And stamp upon you an inglorious namo. 

In conspiracy, the pen is better than the sword- 
Eoturn good for evil is God's mighty word. " 
Eedress my wrongs, lelbio I \eu.\o your city. 
At least in part, before 1 excite tlie pity 
And angry feelings of ]:^uropean Kings, 
Whose bayonets aro as humiai wasps wit'i stings. 
Divine Providence governsboth men and tilings; 
1 do but counsel, bef ire 1 expand my wings 
And fly from hence, as a city vv ith the -plague; 
Let me not say you're infected with party ra^e. 
Redress my wrongs, before it is too lato; 
In doing this, you fortunately escape 
The throaten'd d:om, that oa your city wnit, 
As another Troy, to meet great Carthage's fate: 
Lest I — i^gamemncnsand Scipios invoke; 
The word once passed can never be revoked. 
Seal not your doom, by cunning most unjust. 
Learn VVisdoni''s rules and do not mo distrust. 
As another Regulus, 1 dare you to your teeth, 
And dare your violence when next ag.iin we meet. 

Three days, it is said, is the longest of my life; 
Then bo it so, thus will 1 en 1 the strife, 
Ere virtuous principles 1 will -resign, 
And call rascality and villany mine. 
Is this the age when wisdom is to bend — 
When learning must not groat ignoi-ance befriend? 
h is! But never yield one virtue unt > vice. 
But dare the devils, printers and their device. 
Grant them honest, it is -■n oddway to shew it, 
■I thought them rogues, but now 1 know it. 
Still, to be frail is olt the doom of men, 
And cliarity proves that they should be forgiven. 

To avert the storm, I again appeal to you, 
Provo you have wisdom, and prudence bring to view; 
Your axioms are just; or should be, as of yore. 
Your country's new, not voacbing yet tliree score. 
Add wisdom to learning- — derive it from pulpit men — 
I've heard it in St. Paul's, Foarth street, without Amen! 
I remain, gentlemen, yours, devotedly, 
March let, 1841. R. WILMOT. 



(0"For 5i.r hours, in preface, read ten, as the pamphlet has received addenda. 
Homer sang his poems through GreC' .'^- — Oliver Goldsmith p'ayed upon his flute 
through France, to pay his travelling oxj^enses — Mannontel disputed.liia v/ay at 
every learned College, on his journey, until he reached Paris — vand I am com- 
pelled to write satires on the Far West, to defray my expenses to Washington 
City, in North America, after having assisted to elevato General Harrison to 
the Presidential Chair. **0 tempora, O mores!" 



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